Isle of Wight iron man David Berridge is to return to the Arctic Circle to compete in the 6633 Ultra.
HE is an experienced Arctic racer but Isle of Wight iron man David Berridge is facing his toughest challenge yet.
On March 15, David will fly out to the Canadian Arctic to take part in the 6633 Ultra — a 352-mile foot race which claims to be the toughest, coldest and windiest extreme ultra marathon on the planet.
Since its inception six years ago, only six people have ever managed to reach the finish line at Tuktoyuktuk on the banks of the Arctic Ocean.
David, who will be raising money for Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, said: "During my last Arctic race, the 430-mile Yukon Arctic Ultra, I was fortunate to finish second, this time I will just be happy to make it to the finish line in one piece."
The 6633 Ultra — 6633 is the latitude in degrees and minutes of the Arctic Circle — is an annual event that starts on March 22 at Eagle Plain, in north west Canada.
Prison officer David, 52, of Thorley, faces temperatures that often hit -60C and winds so strong any walker caught in them could quite literally be forced to a crawl.
Over the years, he has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charities by taking part in sporting events, many of them demanding endurance runs in the Arctic and the desert.
People can sponsor him by visiting his JustGiving web page.
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk